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The 411 on Patch Testing

If you suffer from extreme dermatitis and break out in chronic rashes, you know just how frustrating— and uncomfortable— it can be. And it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what is causing your skin to react in such a way without conducting the proper testing in order to do so. That’s why Dr. Barry Goldman recommends that certain patients who suffer from extreme dermatitis undergo a procedure called patch testing in order to determine the root of the problem and get started with some treatment solutions as well. Read on to learn more about the benefits of patch testing.

What is the procedure like?
Although patch testing is considered to be a non-invasive procedure, it’s good to note that because you are testing your skin against certain allergens, that it can be quite uncomfortable. By first taking common allergens and mixing them with a dilution, the allergens are placed onto patches. In turn, these patches are then placed on your back and taped in place. During a two day period, you will continue to wear these patches and then will return to our office in order to see if your skin had any sort of adverse reaction to the patches. During this time, your skin must avoid any sort of contact with water or moisture which can interfere with the patches and cause invalid test results. If your skin doesn’t react to the first batch of patches, you will be tested for a few other types of allergens in order to narrow down the process.

What is treatment like?
Once your results come back and Dr. Barry Goldman is order to make a conclusion regarding your diagnosis and what you are in fact allergic to, then different treatment options will be discussed including topical creams, oral medication, and what things you can avoid contact with in the future.

Patch testing is a great way to narrow down what exactly is causing your skin to break out in extreme rashes. If you would like to learn more about patch testing or if you would simply like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Barry Goldman, contact our office today!

Posted in: Medical Dermatology